Roger Long wrote:
I just bought a Quest GX 1255S, not because I plan to start yacking at
vessels that don't give way (see other threads) but so I'll have
something with more range than the handheld when I cruise downeast in
a couple weeks.

The instructions say to have the standing wave etc. checked out by a
radio technician after installation. Is this just CYA by the
manufacturer or is it a must do? I suspect it will cost nearly as
much as the radio the way these things go and I've got a couple weeks
to try and raise some distant boats to check the range.

The coax running through my cabin and up the mast is pretty old but
the antenna and loading coil(?) at the top are brand new.

Would somebody please refresh my memory on the proper procedure for a
radio check? I think I remember most of the other stuff.

Is there a good on-line site describing marine radio procedures?


A couple of suggestions, Roger.

First, if you want to check your swr,
you can do it yourself quite simply with
an swr meter (WM sell them, as do Radio
Shack). Just make sure it is intended
for VHF use. These meters can also be
used to measure power. If you're not
putting power into the coax/antenna, the
meter will tell you. But if the coax is
lossy, the meter will probably think all
is grand and report normal power output
so beware of false positives.

Normally, swr is not a problem, but if
your coax is old, it may be lossy or
pinched, or punctured.

You can simply compare your hand-held to
the Quest on a somewhat distant station.
Make sure the squelch is turned down so
you hear the hiss. Your Quest ought to
produce a much louder signal.

Having done a listening test, you can
then move to an on-the-air transmitter
test as described by the other posters.
You can even compare your hand-held to
the Quest on transmit if you can find a
willing partner.

If either the listening test or the
transmitting test is unsatisfactory,
then there's a chance the coax is
causing problems and you may need to
replace it. It can be tested in place
with a time domain reflectometry scope,
but your tech is not likely to have one
handy.

Good luck.

Chuck


----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----